Frequently Asked Questions

Have a question about going solar? We’re here to help.

We understand that solar can be confusing and want to help educate our neighbors interested in powering their homes with sunshine. Here’s some of our most frequently asked questions about our company, the going solar process, solar incentives, and more.

Why should I go solar?

There are countless advantages of this affordable, clean, and sustainable technology. Below are some of the most popular reasons to consider switching to solar.

Financial Savings. When you switch to solar, your monthly electricity bills will be less than what you are currently paying to your utility company. That’s because your solar production will offset what you would have normally purchased from your utility. The power you generate is cheaper than utility pricing, so you are able to save money for every unit of electricity you produce.

Energy Independence. When you are producing your own power from your own rooftop panels, you are consuming less electricity from the grid. That grid electricity is coming from a variety of sources, some of it from volatile commodities. Having a consistent source of power on your own roof is a reliable way to insulate you from pricing and supply volatility from other sources.

Home Value Increases. Going solar increases the value of your home. According to the Appraisal Institute, the nation’s largest professional association of real estate appraisers, “Solar electric systems positively impact home values.” By decreasing your electricity bills, solar provides immediate value to you and to anyone else who owns your home in the future.

Your Own “Green” Power Plant. When you go solar, you generate clean electricity from the sun—not energy created by burning fossil fuels. Reducing the electricity we draw from the grid means reducing carbon emissions. According to the SEIA, using solar energy has offset 37 million metric tons of CO2 emissions, equivalent to planting 956 million trees. The average rooftop solar system will produce 7,000 kWh of electricity annually. That translates into a CO2 emission offset of about 1.6 tons of landfill waste and 5,250 pounds of coal burned, according to the carbon offset calculator from the Environmental Protection Agency.

What is the best way to pay for solar?

Everyone is different, so there’s no single best way to pay for solar. There are several options you can choose from, so you can decide what works best for you.

No-money-down options are affordable and offer immediate savings. You are basically going solar for free, and you’ll save on your very first electricity bill. You’ll pay a monthly solar bill and a significantly smaller electricity bill from your utility provider—for any remaining electricity. But do you want to know the best part? The combined amount of the two bills will be LESS than your old utility bill.

Or you can buy your system to make a personal investment in solar and save even more over time. The total cost of purchasing a system varies widely, but a typical installation can cost between $15,000 and $30,000. However, your out-of-pocket costs could be dramatically reduced by federal, state and local incentives. In addition, financing alternatives can eliminate the upfront cost and provide affordable monthly payments.

What does an average payback period look like?

Each solar installation and customer is different, so no two payback periods are exactly the same. If you choose a no-money-down option, your payback can be immediate. If you choose to purchase your system, the payback period typically ranges from 5 to 9 years and depends on a number of different factors, including:

The amount of clean energy that your system generates. This depends on the amount of direct sunlight your property receives and the size of the system you install.

The price of grid electricity in your region. The higher your utility rate, the more you will save with solar. In markets with expensive or rising utility rates, the payback period is comparatively shorter.

The total cost of your installation. Your cost to go solar depends on the size of the system you purchase. However, this cost can be substantially reduced by federal, state and local tax credits and grants.

How you choose to pay for your solar installation. $0 down options offer the most immediate savings. After all, you receive a brand new installation for free, start saving on day one, and enjoy years of lower electricity bills. If you own your PV system, it will take a few years to pay you back, but your return on investment would typically be between 10 to 18%—tax free!

What is the Federal Tax Credit, and how does it work?

The Solar Investment Tax Credit is a very generous solar incentive that allows you to claim a tax credit for 30% of the total cost of installing your solar system, if you choose to purchase your system. It will reduce the cost of your solar PV installation and significantly boost the ROI of your solar investment.

So how does it work? The federal solar tax credit reduces the amount of taxes you pay to the federal government. When you are ready to submit your taxes, simply fill out this form as part of your federal tax return, and you’ll receive your money as a tax rebate. If you do not have enough taxable income in one year to use your whole credit, you are able to apply it to up to five years after installing your system.

In December of 2015, the federal tax credit was extended and will remain at the 30% level until the end of 2019, but it will then ramp down incrementally through 2021 before remaining permanently at 10% thereafter. If you have any questions about how going solar may impact your individual tax situation, we recommend that you consult with a tax professional.

What is Net Metering?

Net metering is a special solar incentive that is available in almost every state. When your solar system is installed, your utility company also installs a bidirectional meter that measures how much electricity you use from your utility and how much solar electricity you send back into the grid. Known as a net meter, this device allows you to send back into the grid your excess solar electricity that your system generates. You’ll receive the full retail value of that electricity, and at the end of each billing cycle, you’re only responsible for the “net” difference in electricity used and sent. If you send more electricity back to the grid than you used during a single billing cycle, you earn credit towards your next bill.

What are SRECs?

When your solar panels produce electricity for your home, they also produce Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs). SRECs are credits that represent the environmental benefits associated with producing 1,000 kilowatt hours of clean, solar electricity. In states where SREC markets exist (DC, MA, MD, NJ, and PA), you can sell your credits back to utility companies in an open market and earn more money from going solar.

SRECs are entirely separate from the savings you receive on your utility bill from sending electricity back to the grid. Did you know that Direct Energy Solar is one of the country’s top residential SREC aggregators and can offer you the best value for your SRECs?

What is panel-optimization and why does Direct Energy Solar use this technology over traditional inverters?

Traditionally, solar panels are connected together in a series of circuits fed into a single, central inverter device. This means that one inverter controls tens of solar panels as if they are one unit operating at the same power level. This approach reduces the overall system efficiency and limits the available information about individual panel performance. One panel could drag down performance of an entire system!

Instead of using central inverters, Direct Energy Solar uses small micro-electronics that attach to each solar panel. Known as panel-level optimization, this allows each panel to operate independently, leading to significant improvements in energy production and adding a new layer of intelligence throughout your solar system. With panel-level optimization, you also get greater design flexibility in the placement of your panels and an easily expandable system.

Is my home good for solar?

Solar panels produce power by capturing free sunshine and converting it into clean electricity. The more direct sunlight your solar panels receive, the more power they produce. A high quality installation location means that your solar panels can more efficiently generate power, meaning more electricity savings for you. Several factors are considered to ensure you get the most out of your solar panels:

Roof area. Available roof space—along with your budget—determines how large of a system you can install. The larger the system, the more power it can produce.

Roof orientation. Does your roof face north, south, east, or west? South facing roofs are ideal for solar, since they will ensure maximum sun exposure—although you could still be a good candidate for solar even if your roof isn’t oriented to the south.

Roof shading. Do any trees, adjacent homes, or other obstacles block sun exposure on your roof? Excessive shading will compromise your system’s performance, but sometimes this issue can be resolved by trimming trees or considering a ground mount system.

The only sure way to know if you are a good candidate for solar is to have one of Direct Energy Solar’s professionals evaluate your home’s potential for solar. It’s free and there is no obligation.

How is Direct Energy Solar different from other solar installers?

You only go solar once, and your choice of solar installer is an important decision. After all, your installer will be working with you to design your system, install your system, and provide support after your system installation. In a competitive market, there’s no shortage of options.

So what makes Direct Energy Solar stand out? We like to say we do solar “the right way.” And here’s why:

A Customized Design Using the Latest Technology. At Direct Energy Solar, we use one of the latest industry-leading processes and solar irradiance mapping technology to evaluate your home’s potential for solar and custom-design your system for maximum savings. This technology allows us to provide you with a state-of-the-art production estimate—you will know exactly what your custom-designed system is guaranteed to produce when you meet with one of our solar consultants. You will also receive accurate forecasts of your solar payback and ROI.

Our Installation Process is Worry-Free. We want to make the going solar process easy for you. Our team of solar experts personally handles every detail throughout your entire experience to turn a complex process into one that’s smooth and carefree for you. Our professionals take care of everything, from precise measurements of your roof to post-installation paperwork for grants and rebates, and everything in between. Our installation process is fast and efficient, so you’ll be saving in no time.

Consistent, Quality Installation. We have hundreds of professionally-trained Direct Energy Solar electricians and installers who are experts in solar installation and passionate about solar power—so we can provide a consistent, quality experience.

Our Guarantees Can’t Be Beat. When you choose Direct Energy Solar, your solar system comes with the best worry-free guarantees in the business. We want you to be excited about your solar system for many years without concern for life’s inevitable surprises. We offer guarantees to give you peace of mind.

Installation Timeline Guarantees

Workmanship Warranties

System Production Guarantees

Moving Guarantees

New Roof Guarantees

And you can rest easy knowing you will receive a lifetime of worry-free support for your system. We monitor your system and take care of any issues that arise. We’re dedicated to helping you get the most out of your solar home.

What states does Direct Energy Solar serve?

Direct Energy Solar is currently serving homeowners and small businesses in Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania (PECO Territory), Rhode Island, and Washington, DC. We are growing quickly, so if we are not currently serving your state, chances are we will be soon!

How do I request a Free Solar Consultation?

You can fill our form on our website. One of our solar experts will call you within 48 hours of your request. Or, give us a call at 800-903-6130. One of our solar experts will be happy to discuss your solar system with you right there on the phone.

When I request a Free Solar Consultation on your website, what happens next?

One of our solar experts will call you within 48 hours of your request. Prior to the call, we recommend you gather your electricity bills from the last 12 months to show your electricity usage (in kilowatt-hours) and the rate you are paying each month.

During the phone call, we’ll discuss if solar is right for you and answer your questions. If you are a good candidate for solar, one of our system designers will use one of the latest industry-leading processes and solar irradiance mapping technology to custom-design your system. This service is free and you are under no obligation to go solar. We’ll also set a time for one of our solar consultants to meet with you in person to walk you through all of your options, present you with your system design and production estimates, and answer all of your questions.

When will my system be installed?

Direct Energy Solar systems are estimated to be completed within 90-120 days of sale (when contract is signed). There are some items beyond Direct Energy Solar’s control that could delay the estimated timeframe (customer scheduling conflicts, structural issues, roof replacements, tree removal, utility transformer issues, and HOA delays).

What does your installation process look like?

All Direct Energy Solar customers are assigned a Project Lead, who will be your main point of contact throughout your project. Your Project Lead will schedule a Kick-Off Meeting to officially start your project and will be responsible for acquiring permits, filing applications for rebates/grants, completing structural reviews any other necessary paperwork. This process usually takes 1–2 months. Your Project Lead is responsible for making the entire experience easy and carefree for you. It’s part of Direct Energy Solar’s premier process that makes us different from other solar installers.

Once all paperwork and permitting is completed, Direct Energy Solar installers and electricians install your system. Depending on your system size, your installation could take 2–3 days (longer for very large or unusual systems). Local inspectors will need to verify that your system meets national code requirements; your Project Lead will coordinate all required inspections over the next 1–2 weeks after your system installation.

Once your inspections are complete, Direct Energy Solar will submit an application for final interconnection approval to your utility company. Final approval can take up to 45 days. Once we receive final interconnection approval from your utility company, your net meter will be installed (if it hasn’t been already) and you will be ready to power up your system!

What are the credentials of your installers?

Every Direct Energy Solar installation is custom-designed and supervised by a NABCEP-Certified PV Installer™. NABCEP, The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners, is the “gold standard” for PV solar installation certification and was designed to raise industry standards and promote consumer confidence.

In addition, we have hundreds of professionally-trained Direct Energy Solar electricians and installers who are experts in solar installation—so we can provide a consistent, quality experience.

What types of roofs do you install on?

Direct Energy Solar currently installs solar systems on the following roof types:

Asphalt Shingle

Standing Seam

Corrugated

Faux Slate (not real slate)

Flat roofs

Rubber membrane (TPO)

Tile

We also install ground mount systems

It’s important to remember that south facing roofs are ideal for solar, since they will ensure maximum sun exposure—although you could still be a good candidate for solar even if your roof isn’t oriented to the south.

The only sure way to know if you are a good candidate for solar is to have one of Direct Energy Solar’s professionals evaluate your home’s potential for solar. It’s free and there is no obligation.

Do solar panels require maintenance?

Solar panels are basically maintenance-free. They have no moving parts that may wear over time and do not require any cleaning. Seasonal rainfall is typically sufficient to keep your solar panels clean. You may need to occasionally remove larger debris, depending on the slope of your roof. And don’t worry about snow on your solar panels—they do an excellent job of absorbing heat, which helps melt the snow.

Solar panels are incredibly resilient and durable. At Direct Energy Solar, we use high quality PV panels developed by industry-leading manufacturers who rigorously test their products. In addition, we offer both workmanship warrantees and performance guarantees. Should any part of your system fail, Direct Energy Solar will replace it at no charge to you. We’ve got you covered.

What happens if my solar panels wear out or get damaged?

Solar panels are incredibly resilient and durable. At Direct Energy Solar, we use high quality PV panels developed by industry-leading manufacturers who rigorously test their panels and provide 25-year warranties for their products. In addition, Direct Energy Solar offers workmanship warrantees to offer you additional peace of mind. Should any part of your system fail, Direct Energy Solar will replace it at no charge to you. We’ve got you covered.

What are your warranties?

All Direct Energy Solar systems come with a 20-Year Workmanship Warranty to guarantee your system is free of defects from materials and components. Installation hardware will be serviced free of charge if defects are found.

We use high quality PV panels developed by industry-leading manufacturers who rigorously test their panels and provide 25-year warranties for their products. Panel optimizer warranties vary from 12 years to 25 years, depending on the manufacturer.

Do I have to worry about roof leaks?

All penetrations made into your roof are flashed and sealed, so they are no more likely to leak than the plumbing vent stacks already on your roof. In the extremely unlikely event that a leak occurs, it is covered under the Direct Energy Solar roof warranty.

What happens if I sell my house?

Going solar increases the value of your home. According to the Appraisal Institute, the nation’s largest professional association of real estate appraisers, “Solar electric systems positively impact home values.”

Whether you purchase or participate in our monthly payment program, the system is easily transferred to the new owner.

Direct Energy Solar systems also come with a 10-Year Moving Guarantee on purchased systems. If you wish to move your system to a new home within Direct Energy Solar’s service territory within the first ten years following your installation, we will provide a quote for time and materials to uninstall and reinstall your solar system. We will store your system for free for 60 days. For an additional cost, this guarantee can be extended to 20 years.

What if I need to replace my roof?

Direct Energy Solar systems also come with a 10-Year New Roof Guarantee. If you need a new roof within the first ten years following your installation, we will provide a quote for time and materials to uninstall and reinstall your solar system while your new roof is installed. We will store your system for free for 60 days. For an additional cost, this guarantee and be extended to 20 years.

What if my power goes out? Do my solar panels still generate electricity?

Your solar system is always connected to your local utility grid. In the United States, modern solar installations come equipped with a special safety technology that automatically shuts down PV systems during blackouts or power surges. Why? When the local electricity company sends out crews to fix the grid after a major storm, these utility technicians need to know which power lines are active and which are not. If a PV installation is still sending solar electricity into the grid, it can be dangerous.

I am a Direct Energy Solar customer and need assistance. Who do I contact?

Our Customer Care team will be happy to help you. Our specialists can be reached at customercare@directenergysolar.com or 888-603-6085 (Monday–Friday from 8:00 AM–6:00 PM EST).

Does Direct Energy Solar have a referral program?

Yes! Direct Energy Solar’s business is based on the numerous referrals from our satisfied customers. We love referrals and reward our customers who spread the word about the benefits of going solar the right way with Direct Energy Solar.

Are you a Direct Energy Solar customer and know someone who may benefit from going solar? As a Direct Energy Solar customer, you can earn a cash reward for any referral that switches to solar with Direct Energy Solar! Learn more and start referring!

Is Direct Energy Solar hiring?

Direct Energy Solar is growing quickly, and we are looking for qualified and motivated candidates in all areas of the company. To view a list of our open positions, please visit our Careers page.

Don’t see your question listed?

Feel free to reach out to our dedicated team of solar experts who are happy to answer your questions.

Power your business with solar.

Offers and financing are available to customers who qualify, vary by location, and are not available in all areas. We customize our solar power system specifically for your facility, therefore, pricing, savings, utility bill, solar bill amounts and actual returns vary based on different factors including but not limited to your location, system size, available solar incentives and local utility rates. See terms and conditions for more details.